The Lawrence Township BUSINESS MANUAL
INTRODUCTION TO THE MANUAL
Lawrence Township is an extraordinary place to live, work, and operate a business. It is uniquely positioned to offer both quality of life and a robust local economy, and the
Township is committed to fostering a vision that preserves this delicate balance. To this end, we aim to continually assess the needs of the community and provide as many
resources as we can to our local businesses.
Consequently, the purpose of this manual is to create a snapshot for new or established businesses in the Township to help navigate the application and permit process, as well as to provide essential information on the resources necessary to start and sustain your business. This is not intended to be a legal, comprehensive, or highly technical document. Its purpose is to be an informative, user-friendly starting point for businesses.
We recommend that you consult an attorney and other professionals to help you navigate the process. However, we hope that this manual positions you and your business to
succeed in Lawrence.
Why Lawrence?
Lawrence Township's strong economy, recreational and entertainment opportunities, diverse population, world-renowned educational institutions, and geographic location position Lawrence to be an ideal cultural and economic hub. The Township is a community of 22 square miles located in the center of Mercer County, New Jersey. Princeton and West Windsor Townships border it on the north. Its southern neighbor is the City of Trenton, the state capital. It is bordered on the east by Hamilton Township and on the west by Ewing and Hopewell Townships.
The Township and its surrounding communities host one of the largest concentrations of diversified research and development activities in the nation. Among the country's largest corporations that pursue such activities are Educational Testing Service and Bristol-Myers Squib, both of which are in Lawrence. Smaller corporate and office complexes are concentrated at the various Interstate 95 interchanges within the community. Three large retail establishments serve township residents, as well as residents of neighboring communities. The Quaker Bridge Mall, a regional enclosed shopping mall anchored by two major department stores; the Mercer Mall; and the Lawrence Shopping Center provide retail opportunities within the Township's borders.
Lawrence Township is uniquely positioned within commuting distance by mass transit to both Philadelphia and New York, approximately 33 and 54 miles in distance, making it an ideal economic hub.
Historic Lawrence
Lawrence Township was founded in 1697 and was originally known as Maidenhead, named by the early settlers after a Thames River village just west of London. At that time, Maidenhead was part of Burlington County, the colony of West Jersey. The eastern boundary of Maidenhead, the Province Line, was the dividing line between the two original colonies of East and West Jersey. These were united into New Jersey in 1702. In 1714, the Township became part of the newly-constituted Hunterdon County.
The Township was legally incorporated through an act of the State legislature in 1798. In 1816, the municipality was renamed Lawrence, after Captain James Lawrence, commander of the frigate Chesapeake and one of the naval heroes of the War of 1812. In 1838, Mercer County was formed from parts of Hunterdon, Middlesex, and Burlington Counties. The Township's boundaries and geographic relationships have remained the same with the exception of the southern border. Lawrence claimed an area of East Trenton from 1844 to 1882. It then became an independent jurisdiction known as Millham Township until it once again became part of Trenton in 1888.
Census Data & Statistics
Population (2020)
33,077
Population Growth (2010-2020)
-395
Population Growth Percent
-1.2%
Population per Square Mile
1,517
Economy
Median Household Income
$110,215
Per Capita Income (2020)
$50,237
Total Retail Sales (2012)
$1.1 billion
Retail Sales per Capita (2012)
$33,086
Total Accommodation and Food Service Sales (2012)
$77.8 million
Total Manufacturer's Shipments (2012)
$165 million
Labor and Education
Labor Force Participation (% pop. age 16+)
66.9%
Unemployment Rate (Oct. 2021)
3.5%
High School Graduation or higher
93.2 %
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
57.7%
Language other than English spoken at Home
32%
Housing
Owner Occupied Housing Unit Rate
68.9%
Median Value of Owner Occupied Housing Units
$340,700
Technology
Households with a Computer
94.3%
Households with Broadband Internet
89.2%
*Source: US Census Bureau Quick Facts
Onboarding Overview
1. Community Aide
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Business Registrar
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Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
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Shop Lawrence
2. Engineering
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Business Occupancy Application
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Commercial Sign Permit Application
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Outdoor Seating Permit Application
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Home Occupation Application
3. Construction
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Construction Permit Application
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Application for Certificate
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Certificate of Occupancy
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Contractor's License Application
4. Fire Marshall
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Annual Fire Registration
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Application for Fire Safety Permit
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Alarm System Registration
5. Health Department
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Retail Food Establishment License Application
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Retail Food Establishment Plan Review Application
6. Municipal Clerk
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Gathering Permit
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Retail Liquor License
*Disclaimer* this is not a comprehensive list of all the permits and applications you may need to operate a business in Lawrence Township. Please refer to the full list of forms for available services.
Community Aide
The Community Aide should be the first point of contact for businesses. The CA helps
businesses navigate through the permit and license application process, and provides
general support to give a business the optimal chance to meet its goals and succeed in an
always competitive market.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies
If you're planning a Grand Opening, we can help with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by an elected official. Photos will be posted on our website, social media, and newsletter. This is a great way to gain exposure to the Lawrence Township community.
ShopLawrence
A new campaign that supports the local business community, and encourages residents to shop close to home.
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Events
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Digital Media
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Awards
Resources: Engineering
Resources: Construction
Contractors License Appllication
Download
In order to complete building work in Lawrence Township, the contractor will need to be licensed with the municipality. The application requests personal identifiers and professional information from the contractor. This applies only to contractors not licensed with the state of NJ. Good for a year.
Resources: Fire Marshall
Annual Fire Inspection
Contact
All businesses are inspected annually. Common Fire Code violations:
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Blocked passageways and exit doors;
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Exit signs and emergency lights;
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Exits locked or blocked;
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Fire extinguishers;
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Fire alarms;
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Sprinkler systems;
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Smoke detectors;
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Carbon monoxide detectors;
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Electrical:
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extension cords and surge detectors,
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multi-plug adapters,
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open wiring;
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Space heaters;
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Missing fire-rated ceiling tiles;
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Storage:
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Sprinkler/ceiling clearance,
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clearance from heaters (36'' space required),
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storage in exits or exit enclosures and stairwells;
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Kitchen hoods (restaurants), cleaning and inspections;
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Compressed gas cylinders must be secured.
There is a zero-tolerance policy regarding fire code violations. Compliance with state and local laws will be strictly enforced.
Resources: Health Department
Resources: Municipal Clerk
Lawrence Township Departmental Overview
Municipal Directory
Community Aide
Acts as a channel of communication between the municipality and the community.
(609) 844-7074
Construction
Reviews all permit applications and construction plans for new construction and alterations.
(609) 844-0282
Engineering
Reviews development applications and administers zoning guidelines.
609-844-7087
Finance
Compiles and monitors annual budget, maintains accounting records, and invests funds.
(609) 844-7011
Fire Marshall
Administers fire code standards for all buildings and investigates all fires in the town.
(609) 844-7018
Health
Provides public health services to residents, and inspects businesses for health safety.
(609) 844-7000
Municipal Clerk
Serves as secretary to Town Council, and issues licenses and permits.
(609) 844-7000
Municipal Manager
Acts as the chief executive and administrative officer of Township government.
(609) 844-7005
Police
Serves the residents of Lawrence Township by investigating crime and responding to emergencies.
(609) 896-1111
Public Works
Maintains roads, garbage and yard waste collection, maintains township properties.
(609) 844-7074
Tax Assessor
Establishes the value of land and improvements, keeps records of assessments and properties.
(609) 844-7040
Tax Collector
Responsible for the billing and collection of taxes and sewer user fees.
(609) 844-7041
Municipal Utilities
Energy
Lawrence Township's energy needs related to electricity, gas, heating, and billing are serviced by PSE&G.
Water
Lawrence Township is served by three different water companies: Trenton Water Works, Aqua New Jersey, and New Jersey American Water Company. Check with the Engineering Department to see which services your area.
Waste
Food waste and garbage collection is provided by an independent contractor, Solterra, and Mercer County is
responsible for collecting recyclables. Leaves and brush are collected by zone and schedule by the Public Works Department.
General Business Resources
Sample Business Checklist
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Create a business plan that includes a go-to-market strategy and start-up costs
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Choose a form of legal ownership (sole proprietor/ partnership, LLC, Corporation or other)
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Register the business with the IRS to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN)
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Identify and obtain any state and local special permits or licenses required for operation
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Align zoning requirements for the business type and location
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Identify any needs for building permits based on location and renovations
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Select financial reporting and tax remuneration methodologies and/or assistance
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Identify and engage with sources of funding
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Review and select payroll process
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Define methods of Intellectual Property (IP) protection associated with the business
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Ensure compliance with regulations affecting your business
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Schedule inspections required with applicable agencies
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Schedule building inspection to obtain Certificate of Occupancy
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Determine plan for opening day operations
Business Structures
Every business needs to be legally incorporated, and choosing the right structure will require you to consult an attorney, CPA and/or business counselor. Following is an overview of some common business structures:
Sole Proprietorshop
This is the simplest type of business structure and not a legal entity. There’s only one owner, and the owner is linked to their
business, making them liable for all loses, legal issues, and debt. It may not provide access to certain tax benefits and may be
difficult to raise capital.
Limited Liability Company (LLC)
This business structure protects its owners from personal responsibility for its debts or liabilities. It is a hybrid entity that combines the characteristics of a corporation with those of a partnership or sole proprietorship.
General Partnership
This type of business allows for multiple owners who agree to share all assets, profits, and liabilities of the business. Because of its simplicity and tax benefits, it’s one of the most common legal entities.
C Corporation
This structure is common among large companies, because it offers asset and liability protection, lower tax rates, and public stock issuance. Owners are taxed separately from the company, creating a double-taxation situation. They are highly regulated.
S Corporation
This entity is similar to partnerships in that all profits, losses, deductions, and credit are passed through to shareholders for federal tax purposes, with the benefit of limited liability and relief from the “double-taxation” of C Corps.
B Corporation
While not a formal legal status, this private certification process through B LAB demonstrates a company’s commitment to “social and environmental performance”.
ESOP
This employee benefit plan gives workers ownership interest in the company, in the form of shares of stock. The sponsoring company (i.e. the selling shareholder) and participants may receive various tax benefits. This corporate-finance strategy is used to align the interests of employees with shareholders.
Business Associations
619 Alexander Rd
Suite 101
Princeton, NJ 08540
485 Hamilton Ave
Trenton, New Jersey 08609
802 Chamber St
Trenton, NJ 08611